Change of Status (Transferring, Suspending, Withdrawing) - what I need to know

Change of Status (Transferring, Suspending, Withdrawing) - what I need to know

Modified:

06/12/2017

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This article provides details about
what you need to know if you are thinking of transferring, suspending or
withdrawing from your course.

Please see the relevant sections below
for what you would like to do i.e. transfer, suspend or withdraw:

Transfer

What does ‘Transfer’ mean?

Transfer is where a
student of the University of Portsmouth changes to another course within the
University of Portsmouth. If you have achieved credit, all or part of this
credit may be transferred to the new course if agreed with the department. Transfer is NOT a student right and must be agreed by the University.

How do I transfer?

If you wish to
transfer courses, you should start by talking to both the current department and the department you wish to transfer to, to ensure that both
departments feel the transfer is the right move academically and that you are
able to transfer to the new course at that time.

If both departments
agree the move, you will need to ask your current department administration
office for aTransfer Form which you should
complete fully and return to the office. This form will need to be signed off
by the relevant academic within your new department and the new department
administration office will update your student record with the new course.

What fee implications are there if I transfer?

If you transfer between courses with different tuition fees, the tuition fee due will be based on the tuition fee and liability period pertaining to each course registration. Please refer to the ‘Tuition Fee Policy’ at ‘Where can I find tuition fee policies and procedures?’for
more financial information on transferring courses.

If you are receiving
tuition fee or maintenance grants or loans from the Student Loans Company, you
should inform Student Finance England/Wales/Scotland/Ireland (as applicable)
that you have transferred course by completing a Change of Circumstances Form.
The University will also inform them.

If you have been
excluded from a course at the University of Portsmouth or have withdrawn, you
cannot transfer to another course. You would be treated as a new applicant and
if the department that you are joining wish to give you credit for units
already achieved, this is dealt with through the AP(E)L process.

Suspension

What does ‘Suspension’ mean?

Suspension
is a temporary break in study. It is sometimes referred to as interrupting. When
you suspend your studies, you will agree a date of return with your Head of
Department - this date will usually be the start of a relevant study period
such as an academic year or teaching block. Suspension is NOT a
student's right and must be agreed by the University. You may not undertake
second attempt assessment or deferred first attempt assessment while
suspended.

How do I suspend my studies?

If you wish to
suspend your studies, you will need to ask your department administration office for aSuspension Formwhich you should
complete fully and return to the office. This will include the reason for your
suspension, as well and the date you wish to return. This form will need to be
signed off by the relevant academic within your department if the suspension is
agreed.

The date of
suspension provided cannot be more than two weeks prior to the date you
notify the University of your intent to suspend.

What fee implications are there if I suspend?

You will be charged a
tuition fee after two weeks of the course start date (14 days), which includes
the Induction week. If you are a new student, you are not able to suspend your
studies in the first two weeks of the course start date; a break in studies at this point will be
treated as your withdrawal from the University.

Tuition fees may be reduced on your suspension, based on the date of suspension and liability periods. The liability periods are explained in the ‘Tuition Fee Policy’
at ‘Where can I find tuition fee policies and procedures?’. There are financial implications in suspending studies in that a resumption fee will be charged on your return to studies. Please refer to the ‘Tuition Fee
Policy’ for these details.

You may also be able to use our ‘Interruption and Resumption Calculator’ to determine your reduced fee (if applicable) and your returning fee upon resumption of studies next year. Please note: you can
only use this calculator if you are an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Taught
student who started your course in September or January. You cannot use it if you
are transferring course on your return, or have non-standard fees, such as
repeat fees or your course has varying yearly fees (i.e. you study 60 credits
in year 1 and 120 credits in year 2 with differing fees).

Tuition fees are not
normally refunded to students on suspension, but carried forward for when you
return. If you require a refund of these fees for any reason, please contact cosforms@port.ac.uk.

If you are receiving
tuition fee or maintenance grants or loans from the Student Loans Company, you
should inform Student Finance England/Wales/Scotland/Ireland (as applicable)
that you have suspended your studies temporarily by completing a Change of
Circumstances Form. The University will also inform them.

What are the regulations for suspension?

There is no need for
re-applying to the University following your suspension, provided regulations
are met.

The maximum
suspension you can request is one year. Further suspension can be
requested after the year for an additional one year. Should you still not
be able to return to study following two years, you would normally be withdrawn
from the University.

Please note: While
you are suspended you will not have access to any University facilities e.g.
library, computer account, Moodle.

Withdrawal

What does ‘Withdrawal’ mean?

Withdrawal is the
complete termination of a student's registration in both the programme of study
and all units associated with it. Withdrawal from a course is a student's
right. However should you wish to return following withdrawal, you would have
to re-apply to the University and there is no guarantee of re-admittance.

How do I withdraw?

To request
a withdrawal, you need to
complete the ‘Online Withdrawal Request Form’. To do this, enter your Student ID and Date of Birth in the form, click on ‘look up details’ and this will show your first name, family name and course details. If these are not correct, check if your Student ID is correct with your department or the Academic Registry.

Once you have
completed and submitted the form, you will receive an email confirming receipt
of your request. Please contact your department on the first available working day after completing this form to discuss
your withdrawal and whether this is actually the best option for you.

Although withdrawal
is your right, there could be a problem with the dates you enter. Please
continue to check your email regularly as you will then receive confirmation of
whether or not your withdrawal has been approved. If your withdrawal is not
approved, please contact your department for details of why not.

What fee implications are there if I withdraw?

You will be charged a tuition fee after two weeks of the course start date (14 days), which includes the Induction week. Tuition fees may be reduced on your withdrawal, based on the withdrawal date and liability periods. The withdrawal date is the ‘date of last attendance’ and this will be the date the withdrawal form is submitted by you. The liability periods are explained in the ‘Tuition Fee Policy’
at ‘Where can I find tuition fee policies and procedures?’.

If you are receiving
tuition fee or maintenance grants or loans from the Student Loans Company, you
should inform Student Finance England/Wales/Scotland/Ireland (as applicable)
that you have withdrawn from your course by completing a Change of Circumstances
Form. The University will also inform them. If you are withdrawing from the
University of Portsmouth but going to another University to continue your
undergraduate studies, when completing the Online Withdrawal Request Form,
select the reason 'Moving to other
Institution', so we know to notify Student Finance.

Withdrawal is often
the first option students will consider for various reasons from financial
difficulties, to struggling with the work, to missing home but there are often
ways the University can help overcome the difficulties without the need for
withdrawal. There may also be other possible solutions you could take such as a
temporary suspension or a transfer of course. Your department will be able to
guide you which would be the best option or provide additional support if
required.